Topology optimization of structures under moving loads based on equivalent static loads

Dynamic and inertial characteristice of moving loads in civil engineering structures have important influence on stability and security of structure, most topology optimization techniques are devised for static response topology optimization. In order to address the need for topology optimization of moving loads,a topology optimization methodology based on equivalent static loads method was introduced to find the optimal layout of a structure under moving loadings. This method uses the dual loading to handle the moving loads, and combines with the equivalent static loads method to achieve structural topology optimization considering the effect of moving loads. In order to investigate the relation between the optimal layout of a structure and its boundary condition and loading location, several numerical examples were given, in which structures with different boundary conditions and loading locations were optimized by using the proposed algorithm. Analyses of equivalent stress and mid-span displacement of the resulting structures subjected to moving loads were conducted and compared. The results show that the optimized structures have good dynamic performance and symmetry at the same time. The influence of the direction of load movement on the optimized structure is effectively avoided, and thus solves the problem that the existing equivalent static loads method is hard to consider the moving load effects. The method in the paper is efficient and has broad application. The structures generated by the presented algorithm are both structurally efficient and aesthetically pleasing, which has promising prospect to serve as a reference for the concept design in bridge engineering. © 2022 Central South University of Technology. All rights reserved.